SPRINGFIELD — As I sit here, I can't help but feel a little sad. It seems as if we are surrounded by social darkness and trauma every day. Pain, loss, poverty and suffering have existed since the beginning of time as we know it, and will probably continue for the remainder of our existence.

Although this reality saddens me, what hurts worse is that there seems to be a shortage of heroes in the world. I often find myself asking, "Where are the heroes?"

Too often we hear about the local priest sexually abusing an innocent child. Too often we hear about the church pastor misusing funds and indulging in lascivious behavior. Where are the heroes, the people we can trust for spiritual guidance and prayer?

Too often we read about the husband and father who is unfaithful to his wife and rips his family apart. As a result, his wife loses her way and his children grow up confused and unable to have healthy relationships themselves. Where are the heroic husbands and dads who resist temptation and fight for their families?

Kirk Smith is president and chief executive officer of the YMCA of Greater Springfield.

Too often we read about the politician who embezzles hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars for his or her own pleasure while millions of Americans are living in poverty. Where are the heroes we count on to protect us and secure our futures through honest legislation?

Too often we hear about the unfit mother who decides to abuse, and in many cases, murder her child because she's unable to care for him or her. Where are the heroes who are willing to take the necessary steps to prevent such tragedies?

Too often, we hear of teachers who neglect struggling students. There are trained certified educators taking advantage of the young impressionable minds of middle and high school students by drawing them into sexual relationships causing long-term emotional damage and social problems. Where are the heroes who our students can trust to teach and lead them to become successful academically and relationally?

As you can probably guess, I've had my share of let downs by individuals who were supposed to be my heroes; however, I'm determined to do my best to be a hero-husband, father and business-community leader every day. I'm just as determined to help develop and influence other future heroes.

Will you join me by continuing to be and committing to being a hero at home, work and in the community? Answer the call to the cause - the world needs you!

Kirk Smith is president and chief executive officer of the YMCA of Greater Springfield.

The YMCA of Greater Springfield was founded in 1852 and is the second oldest YMCA in the United States. The YMCA of Greater Springfield serves 105,000 people annually in 14 cities and towns throughout the region.

For more information on YMCA programs or how you can get involved, call 739-6951 (Downtown Springfield Y Family Center), 596-2749 (Scantic Valley Y Family Center), or 788-6143 (Dunbar Y Family & Community Center) or visit www.springfieldy.org